Austin News

U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has initiated an inquiry into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The investigation centers on educational materials that Cruz claims are designed to garner support for the Biden-Harris administration’s environmental policies.

In letters addressed to the administrators of NASA and NOAA, Sen. Cruz criticizes what he describes as alarmist content aimed at young people, which he believes exacerbates "climate anxiety." He writes: “The Biden-Harris administration marked Earth Day this year by touting its efforts to combat ‘the climate crisis,’ including its quixotic quest for net-zero emissions, the formation of a multi-billion-dollar American Climate Corps, and the restriction of federal oil and gas leases. Young people are absorbing the rhetoric; they report high levels of anxiety about climate change and are adapting their behavior in radical ways, including by foregoing children.”

Cruz also references a term coined by the American Psychological Association—‘eco-anxiety’—which he defines as a “chronic fear of environmental doom.” He argues that while some stress about significant issues is natural, a balanced approach based on scientific inquiry is essential. According to him, government agencies have a duty to present scientific evidence objectively rather than inciting panic.

Highlighting specific initiatives from NOAA and NASA, Cruz points out programs like NOAA's Young Changemakers Fellowship and NASA’s Climate Kids website. He states that these platforms promote alarming scenarios without adequate context or scientific backing. For instance, Cruz mentions NASA’s interactive modules depicting cities submerged due to melting ice caps without clarifying that such events would take centuries if they occur at all.

Sen. Cruz also critiques NOAA for promoting outdated materials like "Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Science," which has not been updated despite plans to incorporate more recent data and perspectives from various communities. He further notes how some NOAA resources direct children towards activist groups such as Extinction Rebellion and Sunrise Movement.

The senator has requested documents related to the impact of these educational materials on youth anxiety and activism. Additionally, he seeks information on how both agencies ensure their curricula remain accurate and unbiased.

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